From the final report of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), there are 24 identified biodiversity conservation priority areas in the Greater Negros-Panay Biogeographic Region. Of these, the following areas are classified under the category of Extremely High/Critical/Urgent conservation priority areas that need serious and immediate attention: (1) Northwest Panay Peninsula, (2) Central Panay Mountains: Madjaas ? Baloi Complex, (3) Northeastern Panay ? Gigantes, (4) Mt. Canlaon National Park, (5) Basay ? Hinoba-an, (6) Cuernos de Negros (Mt. Talinis), (7) Twin Lakes, (8) Carmon/Carmen, (9) Tabunan Forest, (10) Mactan, Kalawisan, Cansafa Bay, (11) Olango island, (12) Argao, and (13) Nug-as and Mt. Lantoy. Other important biodiversity areas in the CNPLS are as follows: Northwest Panay (Pandan Peninsula), Central Panay Mountains, Mt. Sulos and Mt. Mandalagan, Mt. Kanlaon National Park, Ban banj Hinoba-an, Cuernos de Negros, Tabunan, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary; Mactan, Kalawisan and Cansaga, Nug-as and Mt. Latay, Mt. Kanghulugan and Mt. Lanaya. The major components of the project include among others, the following: Baseline Studies ? Collection of both primary and secondary data for establishment of baselines. Biodiversity information about the area is limited, incomplete and scattered among various institutions and individuals and thus will entail consolidation of data. ? Lack of baseline is a major gap in biodiversity conservation efforts. Harmonization of research with conservation needs can be undertaken by addressing gaps in existing knowledge. In some cases, conduct of research may be called for. Consolidation of Data for Knowledge Management ? Consolidation of biological, socioeconomic, biophysical and environmental data and program practices that would provide benchmark database to start building the Cebu-Negros-Panay Landscapes and Seascapes (CNPLS) database/MIS. Development of criteria and parameters for prioritization of SGP resources for biodiversity conservation in the area. ? Socializing UNDP programs by consultations with CNPLS stakeholders ? Stakeholders analysis and assessment of current situation ? issues and problems ? Conduct of workshop to assess the status, issues, problems, opportunities and challenges of UNDP-SGP projects in the CNPLS. ? Biodiversity status map of the SGP sites of both existing and projected interventions Conduct of multi-sectoral consultations Consultations will be conducted for the following purposes: ? Developing/strengthening stakeholders/actors? awareness of biodiversity issues at the CNPLS. ? Consolidating/strengthening efforts for conserving species, especially flagship species at the CNPLS. Developing/strengthening regional mechanisms & capacity for conserving biodiversity at the CNPLS. ? Series of consultations/meetings with policymakers/decision makers/managers among the LGUs, DENR/NCIP, schools, media/civil society and financial institutions, et al. will be carried out not only to promote the relevance of CNPLS conservation and development but also to set the stage for commitment and support for the proposal to create a coordinating network or a policymaking/governing body composed of key stakeholders for the CNPLS. The dialogues would also take care of generating interests from support agencies and/or government instrumentalities to recognize the need for resource sharing and complementation required for streamlined project operations and avoiding costly project overlaps and duplications. These consultations/dialogues would set up the environment that facilitates commitment and involvement of collaborating agencies who would help in making UNDP-SGP projects succeed at the CNPLS.

Objectives: a. To gather baseline data of the significant and important biodiversity areas in both terrestrial and aquatic environments in the CNPLS and contribute to biogeographic zone data in terms of biogeographic history and distribution patterns of major groups of biota i.e., vascular plants, arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and socio-economic pressures affecting them; b. To consolidate biological, socioeconomic, biophysical and environmental data and program practices that would provide benchmark database to start building the Cebu-Negros-Panay Landscapes and Seascapes (CNPLS) database/MIS. c. To develop criteria and parameters that would facilitate the appraisal, validation and implementation of community-based biodiversity conservation initiatives in areas identified as priority sites for SGP funding; d. To promote a participatory and consultative process among the relevant stakeholders of the Cebu-Negros-Panay Landscapes and Seascapes that would enable better coordination and synchronized implementation of SGP programs and activities within the area.